Differences in Laws for CPS Case Worker vs. Police Gathering Evidence

If you’re under investigation for child abuse or neglect, you need to enlist the services of an attorney that is dedicated to defending your legal rights. CPS workers are government agents, but they do not operate under the same rules as police officers. Without the assistance of a seasoned CPS lawyer, it can be difficult to discern how to best protect your rights.

For example, the CPS worker handling your case may try to convince you that he or she can come into your home and investigate freely. This is an invasion of your privacy and should not be tolerated. Your lawyer will stand up for your parental rights and make sure the CPS worker does not abuse his or her power.

To learn more about how to stand up for yourself in your child abuse and neglect case, reach out to the Grabel & Associates team today. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free initial case consultation to get you on track to receiving a favorable outcome.

Understanding Your Parental Rights in Cases Involving CPS

Having a CPS worker show up at your front door can be confusing, especially if you believe the claims are completely unwarranted. The first step you should take in your fight for justice is learning about your legal rights.

• CPS is not allowed to investigate in your home without your consent. If there is no imminent danger to support a warrant, a CPS agent is not legally allowed to come into your house to investigate or speak with your child. If a CPS worker has already lead you to believe that he or she can legally enter your home or interview your child, you may be able to sue him or her. Though this is similar to a police investigation, CPS agents don’t have to be charging you with anything to show up at your door. No matter what agents tell you, contact an attorney as soon as possible to start battling back.
• An anonymous call to CPS is not probable cause under the Warrant Clause. While CPS is required to investigate every report of abuse or neglect, an anonymous call is not enough to support a warrant. Without a warrant, the CPS worker cannot enter your home or speak to your children. Anonymous crime tips can be sufficient for police.
• A CPS investigation is not the same as a police investigation. While CPS investigations often lead to criminal charges, just because you have an agent looking into your case does not mean that you will necessarily face criminal charges.
• CPS works to stabilize families. The police work to arrest and prosecute abusive parents. While CPS and the police work closely during child abuse and neglect investigations, your CPS worker cannot actually charge you with a crime or punish you. They have limited court authority – though they can temporarily remove a child. If the police have reason to suspect you are guilty, they will conduct an investigation and you will appear in court.

Our Approach to Child Abuse and Neglect Cases

The Grabel & Associates team has been working in criminal defense for over 15 years and understands what it takes to be successful in cases involving CPS. If you’re under investigation and need help working with CPS or law enforcement officers, give our firm a call. We’ll walk alongside you through every stage of your case and provide you with unrivaled insight, putting you on track to receive the best outcome available. Protecting your parental rights, clearing your name, and keeping your family together are our top priorities. We’ll do everything in our power to pursue justice and will always keep your best interest in mind. To secure our services, pick up the phone and dial our toll-free hotline. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to start battling for you.

Contact Us for 24/7 Criminal Defense in CPS Cases

Whether you’re fighting CPS for custody of your child or working to clear your name in a police investigation, our lawyers are ready and able to step in and start helping you. Simply call 1-800-342-7896 to receive a free initial case consultation. We’ll review the details of your case and connect you with the right attorney to handle your case.